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Things to Come Movie Review

Things to Come is a 1936 science fiction film produced by Alexander Korda and starring Edward Chapman and Ralph Richardson. It’s a dated, but epic film.

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“It is this, or that – all the Universe or nothingness!

Which shall it be, Passworthy? Which shall it be?“

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A story of 100 years: a decades-long second world war leaves plague and anarchy, then a rational state rebuilds civilization and tries space travel. This movie came out just before WWII, so it feels very prescient in its plot about impending great war. It’s a fascinating film that is incredibly epic in terms of scope and world building – a war erupts, then society crumbles and eventually we witness humanity sending humans to the Moon.

While reviewing this film, I shall try to be objective and reasonable as this is a 1930s film we’re talking about, so obviously it’s going to seem very dated today, but interestingly not visually, but rather in terms of storytelling. However, having in mind that sci-fi movies were so rare during this otherwise great decade, this one should be even more admired.

And there is a lot that this picture got wrong – most hilariously maybe it’s the fact that the Moon was visited in 2036. That was immensely pessimistic from H. G. Wells, the author behind this source material. One war lasting for decades was also very unrealistic, but otherwise I did respect its post-apocalyptic, dystopian atmosphere and the use of aircraft was excellent. The modern airplanes that appeared later on were super cool, and the role of machines in the story was strongly emphasized. Humanity’s dependence on technology for better and for worse is the best explored theme in the film.

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I adored the technical aspects in Things to Come as everything here is simply marvelous to behold. Let’s first start from the costumes – yes, they are very much early 20^th century in their look, but still super memorable in their retro, futuristic look. The special effects are also terrific and it is obvious from the first moment that this film had a huge budget as it looks absolutely spectacular, sumptuous and expensive.

This Alexander Korda production is mostly deftly edited and paced. The score itself is phenomenal and quite grandiose at times. The movie is extremely memorable in a lot of its imagery as it’s so well shot and beautifully detailed throughout. The standout aspect has to be the production design, though. The numerous sets here are just incredible. From the insides of the airplanes to the various buildings to the streets to the rocket station – all sets were meticulously crafted, instantly iconic and the biggest selling point for this film’s success despite all odds.

Things to Come features actually rather good character development, especially so for such an epic spectacle of science fiction as it is rare for these movies to develop characters even in the slightest. Among the characters, John Cabal is easily the most memorable and intriguing presence, so well performed by Raymond Massey.

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I also really liked the characters in 2036. However, one major problem that the film never overcame is The Boss character. A lot of plot elements are dated in this film, but are understandable for its time period. However, this character is so over-the-top, so ridiculously theatrical and campy that it was borderline ridiculous and laughable at times. Ralph Richardson’s performance is very stagy. The excessive theatrical speeches are also very dated.

Although clearly dated in a number of its plot points, but especially in overly theatrical dialogue and a ridiculously campy Ralph Richardson performance, Things to Come still needs to be respected as a rare 1930s science fiction movie that is immensely epic in terms of scope and world building. It’s grandiose in score, striking in costumes, groundbreaking in VFX and astonishing in its many highly artistic, unforgettable sets. It’s thus a very flawed, but undeniably fascinating viewing experience.

My Rating – 4

You can get Things to Come on Amazon.